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Virtually Real Part 35: Stupid, Stupid, Human Creatures

Returning Characters

Prowl-Ar (Tiger): Tiger/Wolf hybrid shifter

Kyle (Drake): Eastern Dragon Shifter based on Red XIII

Shock (Fox): Fox/Tiger Shifter

Frost: Dragon/Otter shifter, Kyle and Prowl-Ar’s biological son

Rin (Snowpaws): Lynx/Tiger furry, adopted daughter

Mahan: Shadow Runner AI

Computer: VR computer

Otter Medical Drone

Mobile Armor System suit pilots

Jordan (Wolf): Medic

Drop Kick (Kicker)/Slider/Go Lee

Shadow/Phantom/Djinn

Cutter/Hacker/Driver

Cold Snap/Hazard/Violet

Commander/Corporal

Flashfire

Katana

Convicts

Carl/Jay/Martin/Hiro

Alliance

Howler: Corgi Diplomat

We started working on the wall foundation once more, after lunch, but I noticed Wolf had slowed down considerably. "Wolf, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, just a bit tired is all."

Suddenly I realized what was going on. "You've been sleeping during the day and keeping guard at night, haven't you?"

He looked surprised. "Uh, yes sir."

"Go get some sleep. You're relieved from duty."

"I can keep going." He insisted.

"You obviously worked half the night moving the blocks on your own. I'm ordering you to go and get some rest. We've only got a few more blocks to position before assembling the fence and gates. You've been on duty longer than the rest of us. Get as much rest as you need, that's an order."

"Yes sir, thank you." He walked to the edge of the encampment and his suit knelt down.

I turned back to the blocks. Fifteen minutes later we'd completely circled the Alliance encampment.

"Sir, you should take the other teams and get started on the wall around the main base. My team can complete the fencing." Cutter radioed.

"You sure?" I responded.

"No problem. When we weren't cutting we were part of the fence maintenance teams. We'll have this fence completed in a couple of hours."

"All teams, other than Cutter team, proceed to the main base perimeter."

There was a collection of groans as we started to move out.

"Tiger, you wanted me to remind you to set up the generator." Drake said.

"Right. Rin, go and convert your suit for excavation. It's the same as your heavy lifting mode except with excavator buckets instead of the clasping hands. Then return so we can dig trenches and install power lines to the fence and medical facility. The Alliance personnel can set up their own system for personal uses."

"Yes sir."

"Drake, get our four extras into spare suits and put them to work as well. If they complain, remind them they'll get power once the fence is built."

"Understood."

Once they were away I walked into a forested area where I'd placed a small structure. I knelt down and exited my suit. Entering the building I found a large cement block with hook ups protruding from the side and a small podium with a control terminal on the top. Contained within was a Fyretech 1800 series fully contained energy production plant. I jumped the gap onto the top of the generator and checked its status. It was still in stasis but all the checks were still green. Once Rin returned we'd get the fence powered then I'd recall everyone and we'd go through and make sure the area was completely secured.

***

I watched as the teams formed up for inspection. We'd finished getting the walls up and the four inner areas had been swept for hostiles. I walked the line with the Commander, as the shuttles continued to descend with the base personnel.

"Go Lee, light gray enhanced suit, specialties heavy weapons and demolitions." Lee said, as we passed him.

"Slider, blue enhanced suit, specialty sniper."

"Drop Kick, green enhanced suit, specialty team commander. Kicker team rested and ready for duty, sir."

"Driver, yellow Infantry suit, specialty rapid transport."

"Hacker, purple Infantry suit, specialty programming."

"Cutter, green Infantry suit, specialties are base maintenance and team commander. Cutter team is fit for duty, Sir."

The commander nodded and we moved on to the next line.

"Djinn, brown Enhanced suit modified for flight, specialty aerial recon.

"Phantom, navy blue Enhanced flight suit, specialty air superiority."

"Shadow, grey Enhanced suit modified for flight, specialty aerial combat. Shadow team is ready to fly."

"Jailbait, grey Elite suit." Martin said uncertainly.

"Convict, orange Elite suit, specialty survival." Jay stated.

"Justice, white Elite suit, specialties murder and mayhem. Justice Team is ready to get bloody." Carl said, grinning evilly.

We moved to the third line, but I could see the unhappy look on the Commander's face.

"Wolf, black Enhanced suit, specialties environmental science and medic."

"Frost, blue Infantry suit."

"Snowpaws, custom suit, specialty mechanic."

"Ronin, white Recon suit. Reserve group ready to do what's required."

"Howler, blue gray Infantry suit, specialties diplomacy and communications." The Canin corgi said proudly.

We continued on to the fourth line, as the Commander's look grew even more disturbed.

"Walker, olive Enhanced suit, specialties defense and heavy weapons." The green groundling dragon stated happily.

"Pride, gray Recon suit, specialty tracking." The white lion almost whispered.

"Bandit, navy Elite suit, specialty . . ." The raccoon winked. "Alliance team ready to prove our worth."

"Fox, orange Enhanced suit, specialty rapid fire."

"Drake, red custom suit, specialty melee combat."

I took my place in line. "Tiger, black custom suit, specialties everything. MAS troop commander. Tiger team is at your command, and all advanced recon teams are rested and fit for duty, Sir."

We all saluted in formation.

"I suppose this is likely to be the only time you're all going to show up for inspection?" The Commander asked.

"Oh hell, is that what this is? Why didn't somebody tell me? I would have slept in if I'd known that." Kicker yelled.

Several of the pilots exiting the shuttles stopped to laugh.

"Not only have you been recruiting new pilots, but you've even gone and taught Kicker bad habits. Tiger, I want you in my office as soon as the transports are away to discuss . . . all of this." He waved his hand indicating the new pilots.

"Yes sir, but a few things first. Howler is now the third member of your team. Don't complain, it is part of the Federation's treaty with the Alliance. I chose Howler because he is a good negotiator, has excellent communication skills, and refuses to take crap from anyone, including me."

"Really? I hate him already, we should work well together."

"Next item, Ronin is in that suit temporarily. He will be receiving a new prototype suit from a third company entering the war effort."

"Mom!" Violet yelled running up and hugging Justice.

"Mom?" the Commander asked.

"Yeah, that's another discussion for later, in private, where you can really yell at me. By the way, your office is sound proofed so no more eaves dropping."

"I'm sure that's the reason."

"One last thing I need teams Command, Coldsnap, Flashfire, and Katana to come with me and retrieve their suits. The Shadow Runner has been away from its post for far too long."

"You said you'd explain about your ship. You didn't think I'd forget, did you?" He asked.

"It is highly classified, but in all cases it is only referred to as 'Earth's last line of defense.' So as you might guess it really needs to get back to the Sol system. However if you want to know more we can discuss it later, in private."

"Go, damn thing takes up too much room anyway." The Commander said dismissing me.

"Commander? Sorry, Tiger, can I speak with you?" Wolf asked, as he approached me with a scared look on his face.

I considered telling him to get lost. He'd been avoiding me since that first day. I sighed and looked up at him. "Look, I know I can be intimidating, and I know you don't like me, but I try to be fair to everyone under my command. That means you don't have to be afraid to ask me anything."

"Tiger, we're ready to go, and Violet wants to hurry and get this over with." Hazard yelled.

"Just a minute, you've got to wait for my team. Sorry Wolf, please continue."

"I . . . I don't dislike you. It's . . . never mind it isn't that important. You're obviously busy. I'll ask later."

"Wolf, listen, if I got the wrong impression I'm sorry. You need to know I won't ever think what you have to say isn't important."

"Tiger, today." Cold Snap yelled.

Computer pause game.

"I think I may be in danger if I keep playing, so I need to quit." Wolf said.

I took a deep breath. I needed to calm down before dealing with Wolf. I was starting to realize he really was like me. Shy and socially awkward. I didn't want to scare him as I obviously had when I ordered him to get some rest. "Computer . . ." My brain locked up for a moment. Wolf had said something about being in danger and quitting, but was it before or after I paused the game? "What?" I muttered trying to remember exactly what he had said.

"I think I may be in danger. The players Slider 'killed' had to restart the game, but they've been threatening me. I thought it would just blow over, I mean it's just a game right? Except last night I found where someone had tampered with my survival suit."

"Wait, computer what is the current game status?" I asked in confusion.

"Tiger, what's up now?" Shock asked.

"Game is currently paused."

"List current player characters, first name and location only."

"Frost and Rin are in the customs room. Prowl-Ar, Shock, Kyle, and Jordan are at Greenwood base. Tank and Tuft are transporting more Exploration team members to Fallow Base. Erik, Jeffery, Leon, and Jack are just graduating from boot camp for the second time.”

"Wait, you're telling me we're on an open server?" Kyle asked, as he joined us.

"I don't know about open, but it is the Mars Research Station server." Wolf answered.

"Mahan, that is creepier than the Shinra Mansion. If you're going to take over a NPC at least use your own voice like you usually do." Kyle said.

"Mahan can take over NPC's?" Wolf asked in surprise.

"You really are a player character?" Shock asked. "How did-" Shock was cut off by Jordan's scream of pain. He held his hand up looking at something we couldn’t see. "Oh God, I-" Jordan's avatar disappeared.

"Mahan emergency prep, have the shuttle ready to launch the instant we reach the hangar." I was relieved to see both Kyle and Shock keeping pace with me as I ran for the exit. "Strike that, screw stealth, prep a Hammer assault shuttle with at least one stasis tube six heavy assault drones and our power armor."

"Mahan, do a deep scan on Jordan Delacroix, full medical history a priority, but I want to know exactly who attacked him." Shock ordered. "I'm sick of this shit where my friends are attacked just because they are friends."

"Shock, no killing." Kyle ordered.

"Of course not, that's too easy. I want to send a message."

***

Mahan's drones and our power armor, also controlled by Mahan, hit the ground and headed for the research station. I took the Hammer up and over the station landing on the opposite side.

"Let's go." Shock yelled.

"Not yet." I ordered, as the Hammer started to descend. "This place was abandoned for nearly a century. Plenty of time for me to add my own little touches." The hangar closed and pressurized. "Mahan, where's Jordan?"

"He's in medical. He is attempting to treat his wounds. There is a slim chance he will be successful."

"How slim?"

"Enough that even you wouldn’t risk them."

"Armor on. Mahan give us a map with Jordan's location, and possible targets.

"Map will display on your headset as you exit the Hammer. Jordan is the white marker, Runners are blue, civilians are orange, and Jordan's attackers are red. Yellow rooms and corridors are part of the original colony, and orange locations are Runner additions."

"Everyone remember, gravity is much lighter here than you're used to. One last thing; Mahan bring Marvin online."

"Are you sure? Marvin the Martian is the most unstable of your AI creations.” Mahan paused. “Why do I ask? I'm bringing him online now."

"Oh no, oh no, this is not good. This is not good at all. I seem to have another human infestation." The small Martian said, as he started rushing around likely looking for a disintegration ray pistol.

"Marvin, update orders and vocalize them."

"Order one: protect Shadow Runner crew. Order two: protect station and station crew. Order three: protect human life. Order four: remember that I am a highly advanced artificial intelligence, based on the character Marvin the Martian and not the character myself. Sorry sir, I forgot order four there for a minute. How may I help you?"

"Mahan will give you details on detaining certain individuals on the charge of, currently, attempted murder. Also clear us a path to the infirmary."

"Understood. Path is cleared and locked down you will encounter no resistance."

“I wouldn’t mind a little resistance right now.” Shock growled.

I'd like to say we ran to the infirmary but with the lighter gravity it was more of a rapid skip. As the door opened we found Jordan unconscious on one of the beds.

"Marvin, status report on subject."

"The attack on Captain Delacroix seems to have been meant to maim rather than kill. However, to survive would mean being sent back to Earth. It is unlikely he will survive the trip as he is still bleeding internally."

"Drake, get a stretcher, we're taking him back to the Runner." Shock stated.

"Marvin, open comms to the commanding officer."

"Are you sure? She is currently locked in the restroom, and not happy about it.

"Make it one way communication from me to her."

"Comms are open."

"Commander, this is Captain Nightiger, a member of your team was attacked, your new base AI, Marvin, has full details. We are taking Captain Jordan Delacroix to our ship for immediate medical treatment. I apologize for this heavy handed action. I'll contact you again when we know whether Jordan will live or not. Captain Nightiger, out."

***

Shock and I watched as the medical tube preformed the micro surgery to repair Jordan's punctured organs.

"Shock, I hope you don't mind me asking this, why are you so invested in Jordan's health?"

"You'll laugh."

"Does that really matter?" I asked.

"No I guess not. When you had me go and reassure the Alliance camp that you weren't going to kill them, Wolf helped me keep everybody calm. When it was obvious you didn't intend to kill anyone Jordan and I talked. Well, I guess I talked and he listened. I figured it would be edited from the game so I talked about my past. Then he slowly opened up and talked about his past. Honestly I thought the VR computer had based his character on a mixture of the three of us. I never imagined he was an actual person."

"His past is really bad enough that you thought he was based on our pasts?"

"Yeah, I- I'd tell you about it, but he told me in confidence and I don't want . . ."

I placed my hand on Shock's shoulder. "I understand, don't worry about it."

"Tiger, I don't know why, but I can talk to him, as a friend. I think he may be the first real person, I've been able to completely let my guard down with, other than you and Kyle. It's hard to put into words it’s like he knows how I'm feeling without 'knowing' exactly what I'm feeling."

"You really like him." The emotional backlash was sudden and intense. "That's not what I'm implying. I know, despite our joking around, you are completely faithful to Kyle and I."

"Yeah, I guess. He's really shy but once he gets to know you, and is willing to talk, he's really nice. I think he's had issues with his size. He always slouches trying to look shorter. I think it might be why he likes me. I'm not intimidated by his height." Shock laughed "Having an eight foot tiger and a nine foot tall dragon as mates sort of puts things in perspective."

"I know the first time I met him I was surprised at his size. I could tell my reaction hurt, so I shifted and he was the one surprised to be looking up at someone. I was even contemplating finding a way to force Mahan to make him the new ship's doctor, as you suggested."

"What about now?"

"It's not as easy. First, all of us would have to agree that he deserves to be a crew member. Well, I guess first we'd have to see if he even wants to be a crew member."

"There is no doubt about that." Mahan stated, "He submitted an application in the very beginning. However I rejected it because I knew you didn't want more crew members to worry about and because his skills, as a paramedic, are below the standard crew member skills."

"Have you done a background check?"

"Yes, and Shock is correct, his past is eerily similar to your own. Everything from being bullied to having a bad teacher. He definitely fits in with the group you are assembling. However I'm concerned, the three of you have each other, but he won't have anyone and I don't think it would be healthy for the three of you or the children to-"

"Mahan!" Shock interrupted. "Not every relationship is about sex."

"That's true, but Mahan does have a good-".

"How old are you again? How long did you wait before you found Kyle and then me?"

I rolled my eyes, "Hey, I've already admitted that I considered giving him a shot. It’s the other's you need to convince."

"What about Jordan, is he going to be alright?"

"Shock, this is a very minor injury compared to some of the stupid things I've done to myself. Jorden is going to be fine. Go and work your magic on Kyle. If you can convince him and Mahan, then we can see what the kids think."

Shock hugged me and ran for the door.

"Does this mean you'll be recycling me?" The otter drone asked quietly.

"No. If Jordan becomes our new doctor you will be his assistant. You've been good with Frost, Rin, and Shock. Basically what it means is you'll no longer have to deal with Kyle and myself."

"I think I'd like that. Just one other thing, can I have a name? I've researched human and furry names and I think I'd like to be called Brook."

"Mahan, what is Brook's AI level?" I asked in surprise.

"She is currently a level 4, which is higher than it is supposed to be. It seems you and Kyle are going to have to accept that she is a part of the crew."

"Kyle is going to love that. Brook, can you please wake me when Jordan has finished healing. I'm just going to take a short cat nap. It's been a rather busy day."

"Uh, yes sir."

***

"Captain, Mr. Delacroix is fully healed."

I yawned and stretched and then did a double take. Brook was being nice to me. "Not that I'm complaining, but what happened?"

"Oh, I asked Mahan to recalibrate my settings so I was closer to my original program, rather than what he turned me into. He wouldn’t do it but he did the final uplift to level five AI, so now I can act the way I want to."

"That is going to take some time getting used to. So, now that you are fully actualized, how do you feel about being demoted to medical assistant?"

"It really won't be much different than before. I mean, you and Kyle rarely listened to my expert opinion anyway. I'm not blaming you or anything. Besides I'm an android, so even if you make Mr. Delacroix my boss, I'll still be superior."

I sat up. "Tell me, in your medical opinion, am I risking my health by adding so many people to my life the way I have been?"

Brook was silent for a couple of minutes. "There is always a risk. However, I have found that your overall health has improved greatly with the addition of Shock, Frost, Rin, and yes even Kyle. While you are still taking stupid risks they are less likely to cause serious damage. As long as you are careful, it is my opinion that allowing more people to get close to you will have more benefits than detrimental consequences."

"Thank you, Doctor."

Brook looked surprised for a moment. "You're welcome, Captain. Do you need assistance with Mr. Delacroix?"

"No, I get the feeling the fewer people around, the safer he'll feel. Wait," I sighed, "It would probably be best if you moved him to a bed and covered him up."

"Of course, we wouldn't want him to feel embarrassed."

"I'll just step out until you're finished."

As the door closed I leaned against the wall next to it. "Mahan, where is Shock?"

"He and Kyle are busy at the moment. Should I inform him Jordan is about to revive?"

"No, I want a bit of time to get to know Mr. Delacroix outside the game."

"Very well. When they have finished I'll find a way to keep them distracted until you are ready for them."

"Thank you, Mahan."

The door opened. "Captain, the patient has been moved and I've reversed the sedatives. He should be waking up at any moment. I'll be in the office if you need me."

"Doctor Brook, there are medical crew quarters on this deck. I suggest you find a room you like and begin setting it up as your personal space."

"I . . . Yes sir."

As she left I noticed her rudder twitching but I wasn't sure if it was from excitement or nervousness. I made my way over to Jordan's bed. He was awake and looking around the room.

"Tell me Wolf, what is the last thing you remember?"

"Um, I remember I was talking to you then it felt like somebody stabbed me. After that it's all hazy"

"Do you know where you are?"

"If I had to guess, I'm aboard your ship on Greenwood."

I'd considered going with that narrative, but now that he'd set up the possibility it didn't feel right. "I'll be honest with you, I'd considered letting you think that. However the truth is you are aboard the Shadow Runner, just not the one in the VR game. We're in Saturn orbit. You were stabbed, at least eight times. The thing is, all of them were carefully done so as to injure but not kill you. You made it to the infirmary and patched yourself up, however you wouldn't have survived the trip back to Earth."

"You, you saved my life? Why? I'm nobody." Jordan asked in confusion.

I laughed, but quickly stopped myself. "Sorry, I'm not laughing at you, but at the fact you're stealing my line. I'm," I glanced around. "Mahan, full privacy mode."

"That is not wise."

"Listen, I can't stop you from listening in, but what I want to say to Jordan is to remain private."

"Kyle is on the bridge. He will automatically know when privacy mode is engaged. That means you will only have the time it takes him to get down here to say what you want and make up an excuse as to why you didn't want him to know what you were talking about."

"Mahan, privacy please."

"Activating privacy mode."

"Jordan, of all the people I've known, there has only been one individual who I'd call a ‘nobody’, myself."

"That's not true, you saved the world." He insisted.

"If not for a promise I made to a young boy asking for a miracle, I might have let nature take its course. I'm not really a good person. I mean I didn't even realize you weren't a non-player character until your avatar disappeared."

"I was avoiding you because I didn't want you to find out. You and Fox thought I was a NPC so you treated me . . ." Jordan paused to wipe his eyes. "You treated me like I was important rather than someone to ridicule or fear because of my size."

"That's because something as trivial as physical appearance doesn't matter as much as your personality."

"You say that but . . ."

"He can say that because he has over a thousand years’ worth of experience to draw on." Kyle said, as he entered the room. "That and the fact that I'm," he glanced at me and smirked, before trying to stand up to his full height, "nine foot six and a half inches tall in anthro dragon form. Shock on the other hand actually loses a couple of inches when he shifts."

"Now, if that is settled, why were you attacked?" Shock asked, as he also joined us.

Jordan closed his eyes. "I'm dying. I'm still in the infirmary on Mars, and I'm bleeding out. Only instead of reliving my pathetic life I'm imagining my greatest wish. This, this is almost worse."

"Mahan, shut down the AG in the infirmary."

Jordan grabbed the sheet and pulled it around himself. "What are you doing?"

"I’m being a potato." I replied pulling my legs up into a fetal position. "Look potatoes in space."

"Look I'm a carrot!" Shock announced.

Kyle closed his eyes and shook his head starting him into a slow spin. He shifted to full dragon form and balled himself up. "I'm a giant tomato."

"What is wrong with all of you?" Jordan asked in confusion.

I looked directly into Jorden's eyes. "That is the wrong question. If this is your imagination, then the question is 'what is wrong with you?' The point we're trying to make is that this is reality. You're unlikely to imagine us acting like this so the fact we are must mean we can act of our own free will. Meaning everything is real. Mahan, slowly reestablish gravity. Now, Mr. Delacroix, why don't you tell us why you were attacked."

"Do they need a reason? People haven't needed much of a reason in the past."

I decided to try a different approach. "You wanted to quit the game. You said you were being threatened. Why?"

"That is complicated. My colleagues were using the game as an escape. They didn't care what they did as long as it was flashy and likely to get attention. Unfortunately, because we were all stationed at the Mars research facility we were stuck on the same server and as part of the same unit. I mean, we're all at the top of our fields’ geology, hydrology, astrophysics, aeronautics, and exobiological systems in my case. Though I've done more for the mission as a paramedic. Basically what I do is look at rock and soil samples, count, and classify the ancient bacteria."

"If they're so smart why attack you?" I asked.

Jordan sighed, "Because I was the first one to start playing. I set up my game for research. When they started playing they were locked into the narrative. I guess I don't really blame them for being unhappy since they wanted to play the game in order to escape their work, while I wanted to play the game so that I could do what I really want to do, explore and study new worlds and their eco-systems."

"That's why you wanted to join our crew? You thought I'd be traveling to other worlds?" I asked.

"Maybe not right away, but perhaps eventually. After learning about your Virtual Reality system and exploring Greenwood I realized even if you never leave the solar system I could explore new worlds using VR."

"Not just explore, you'd be able to create your own." Shock pointed out.

Jordon looked down at the sheet. "I submitted an application, but I guess it wasn't good enough."

"It's because you don't currently have skills the crew require. There is also the fact that I do not need more crew than Prowl-Ar. Before you interrupt I didn't need Kyle. However, to keep Prowl-Ar functioning, he needed Kyle. I was against Shock from the beginning but he still found a way to make himself indispensable. I didn't have much choice when it came to Frost and I'm the one that basically brought Rin onto the team. As for you, if you're willing to become a full medical doctor, I'm willing to make you a probationary team member." Mahan said.

I whistled. "High praise coming from Mahan. I'm also willing to give you a chance." I said looking toward Kyle.

"He's got to be better than the alternative. I'll give him a chance."

"Kyle, Brook is now a full crew member and has a complete AI system. She isn't a drone any more, however she altered her coding so she isn't as uncaring as she was before."

"I still stand by my statement about the otter drone. I'll get to know Brook before I cast any judgements about her." Kyle said.

"My vote is yes, make him a crew member as soon as possible." Shock practically yelled.

"Does that mean I'm in?" Jordan asked.

"Not quite. We still have to see what Frost and Rin think."

"Oh, I see."

"Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be a crew member in no time." Shock said cheerfully.

"Is there anyone you'd like to contact? I'm fairly certain the Mars Base commander is going to want to hear from you. However, with the new facility AI now active I'm certain Earth has been informed of the attack as well."

"I thought you required crew members to cut all contact with their former lives?" Jordan said.

"I'm not a completely heartless bastard. I said that to discourage excess applications. If anything you're likely going to find you will have more contact than you had on Mars. Though you need to know Mahan monitors and has the power to edit your communications, for security reasons."

"Captain, you really should let Dr. Delacroix get some rest." Brook said, as she entered the infirmary.

"No snide comments, yelling for me to leave, or nasty looks? Dr. Brook, I'm liking the new you." Kyle said.

"Just because I'm making the effort to be nicer doesn't mean I've forgiven you for ripping my head off, Commander."

"Fair enough."

"Brook, can you help Jorden get settled in the chief medical officer's quarters? We need to go and see what Frost and Rin think about him joining the crew, and as you pointed out Jordan likely needs to get some rest."

Jordan sat up quickly. "I don't . . ." He clutched his stomach and groaned.

Brook pushed him back down. "Listen, micro surgery puts you back together, but the new cells need time to fully integrate with the old ones. It they don't get that time you'll start to hemorrhage."

Jorden carefully lay back down. "So you're the current Doctor?"

"Former medical drone, Now that I've been upgraded I'll be your assistant. Just don't develop feelings for me. I'm not that sort of android."

"Don't worry, I'm completely gay."

"What! You hear that Captain?" Shock said.

I sighed. "I guess we'll have to take him back to Mars. The Runner is already over loaded with gay."

"What!" Jordan gasped.

I quickly grabbed his hand and held him against the bed. "It's just a joke. If you really want to stay here you're going to have to get used to that sort of behavior. Just remember if we say something you find offensive, hurtful, or disrespectful inform us immediately, so we know what boundaries we shouldn't push. While I often complain and I have a nasty sarcastic streak. The last thing I ever want to do is hurt you physically, mentally, or emotionally."

"I, I'll try, but I'm not very good with confrontation."

"Hah! That should make for an interesting meeting. Unless Shock or I are being threatened, our Tiger hates confrontation as well." Kyle pointed out.

"While you're right, it seems I've been getting a lot of experience dealing with that problem lately. Now, Doctor Brook will help you get to your room. Once you are settled just ask Mahan to make whatever calls you need to make and then get some rest. I need you healed so that we can get back to the game." I headed for the exit with Shock and Kyle.

"Sir . . ."

I turned back, "Call me Prowl-Ar, I hate titles."

"Prowl-Ar, thank you for saving me and more importantly thank you for giving me this chance."

I blushed, "It's nothing. I'd actually considered uplifting you when I believed you were an NPC." The door slid shut before I could hear his response.

***

The lift opened on the entry room to our quarters.

"So, how are we going to do this? My office, your office, or the living room?" Shock asked.

"My office. The addition of new crew falls under command." We entered and both Kyle and Shock took the couch.

"Damn, how is it your office couch is comfier than the one in the living room?" Kyle asked.

"Mahan, you want to answer that?" I asked.

"It has to be a matter of perception as they are the same."

I generated two chairs in front of my desk and then sat down in my own chair. "Mahan, please summon Rin and Frost to the Captain's office."

"You know, they're going to think they're in trouble." Shock pointed out.

"Good, maybe we'll get them to confess something before we get started." Kyle said while grinning.

There was a knock on the door from the living room.

"Enter." I replied.

Rin opened the door and stepped inside. She glanced at Kyle and Shock before taking one of the free seats.

"Are you going to ask why I've called you here?" I asked.

Rin leaned back. "I'm guessing it's to tell us why you paused the game and then took off without any explanation. Mahan told us there was someone you needed to rescue. Now we're just waiting for Frost. There's no reason to explain twice."

Shock laughed, "Face it Tiger, she isn't going to break through ordinary means."

Rin seemed about to comment when Frost rushed in. "Sorry it took so long. I was, busy."

"Busy doing what?" Kyle asked.

"I, I was in VR chat trying to make friends. Don't worry, I'm using an avatar that shows me as an orange otter fox hybrid and I use the name Sunburn. Not that it matters, so far I've been too shy to actually talk to anyone, and no one really even notices me."

"Have you considered hanging out at the Alliance camp in the game?" I asked, "Just to practice getting to know people."

Frost flopped into the last available chair. "It's not the same. They aren't real."

"What about the Wolf character? I know both of you have worked with him."

"He's, well, he seems a bit like me. I mean, he's scared that everyone is going to hate him. Though, once I got to know him a little he was really friendly and he didn't treat me like a little kid. Kind of like Slider, he treats me. Like I'd imagine he'd treat a younger brother." Frost paused, "You're not thinking of making him real are you?"

"No, I'm not going to uplift his character. So Rin, what do you think of him?"

"He was kind of scary at first, but after working with him I kind of like him. More importantly he knows how to keep his suit happy. Even though he's a medic, or maybe that's why, he keeps it well maintained and clean. Which is more than can be said of most pilots I could mention. The computer did a really good job when it created him." Rin sighed, "I get it. You're thinking of putting him in charge of a new team including Frost and myself, but you want to know how we'd react to having an NPC as our team leader. I can see the logic in it. He's a medic, I'm in maintenance, and both Frost and I need a lot more experience before we could be team leaders."

"I hadn't actually considered that, but it is a good idea. No, I just wanted to know what you thought of him before I explained why we shut down the game. Wolf, or Jordan Delacroix, isn't an NPC. The five humans we encountered on Greenwood were all player characters from the Mars colony."

Frost gasped, "I was with Slider when he killed them. I didn’t realize . . ."

"It's a game so they were just sent back to boot camp. They weren’t actually injured. Which reminds me, Mahan-"

"I've already made sure the Greenwood location is locked to other player characters."

"Good. As I was saying, those four that were 'killed' were sent back to boot camp, but Wolf was left behind to continue under my command. Even I thought he was an NPC until he was attacked in real life while I was talking to him in VR."

Rin and Frost looked at each other. "Are you seriously asking if we think he could become a crew member?" Rin asked.

"Wow, you skipped a few steps, but that's exactly what we are considering. Tiger, Kyle, and Mahan are willing to make him a probationary crew member and I voted for full crew status. As the last two core crew members we need to know what you think."

"What would he be doing?" Frost asked.

"He'd be the Shadow Runner's Medical Officer. That's another thing, Brook our former medical drone, has been uplifted to full AI status and is now a crew member. If Jordan becomes our Medical Officer Brook will be his assistant." I replied.

"My vote is yes." Frost said.

Rin seemed to consider for at least a minute. "I'm also voting yes. Accidents can happen to any of us, and even with the sentinel program, I'd feel safer with a doctor in the group."

"That's three yes votes and three probationary yes votes. Mahan, Jordan is now a probationary crew member."

"I'll inform him that he needs to meet with you after he wakes up."

"Thank you Mahan."

"Shock, in the meantime, we should start narrowing down locations for our next embassy in France. Jordan still has family there so it would be best if we set up formal relations." Mahan added.

"Really?" Shock asked, "I thought Australia would be next."

"Mahan's right we need to be sure that Jordan is protected, if he decides to visit family and friends." I pointed out.

***

I was still in my office going over the charges against the four men who attacked Jordan. They had all lost their positions and were being sent back to Earth for trial. They had tried to blame Jordan, saying that he'd made improper advances. Marvin and Mahan had quickly killed that defense. So they had opted for psychosis brought on by being confined inside the Martian facility.

"Jordan is waiting in the entryway." Mahan informed me.

"I must have been more engrossed than I thought. I didn't hear him knock."

"He hasn't knocked yet."

"Please tell him to enter."

"You wanted to see me, Cap- Prowl-Ar?"

"First off, either knock on the door or try the handle. If it isn't locked you're free to enter. If I'm not here just ask Mahan to let me know you need to talk. Now I need to give you these." I pulled out a set of wrist and ankle cuffs. "This is your new uniform."

"Does that mean I'm part of your crew?"

"A probationary member, yes. Those cuffs are made of smart metal and generate smart cloth clothing. While it is best to put them on when you're not wearing anything else, they will still work when you are fully clothed. However the nanites will consume what you're currently wearing."

"How can I be sure this isn't some bondage kink?" Jordan asked.

"I really don't do well with being confined." I held up my arms to show that I was wearing a pair of cuffs. "Your set has been pre-programmed with your standard, medical, armor and dress uniforms along with several outfits Mahan believes you would be comfortable in. It also has your MAS pilot's suit from the game. It doesn't have a fursuit, yet. For that you'll need to speak with Shock."

Jordan snapped the ankle cuffs into place and then the wrist cuffs. "Now what?"

"Hold the wrist cuffs up and tell them 'activate, new user, Jordan' and they will begin generating."

"Activate for new user, Jordan."

Jordan's clothes began to disintegrate as they were replaced by a skin tight body suit.

"It's getting tight, and really uncomfortable in certain areas."

"Give it a few seconds to adapt."

Jordan suddenly relaxed, until he realized just how exposed the bodysuit left him, and he tried to cover himself.

"Just say 'uniform' to the cuffs. Work, formal, armor, and pilot are the other preset commands. The final command is 'options' and the article of clothing you want to change." I held my cuff up. "Options, shirt." My vest changed to a blank black t-shirt. "Next." The t-shirt changed to red I cycled through multiple colors before recalling my uniform. "Once you have a look you like just say 'set' and then add a key word. The nanites are self-cleaning and draw their energy from your body heat."

"Must save on the laundry bills."

I laughed, "Sorry, you're just going to have to get used to not needing to pay bills. If you do find yourself in need of money talk to Mahan, he manages all Shadow Runner assets."

"Um, I do have a question."

"If it's about becoming a shifter, then yes, once you become a full crew member that option will become available. If it's about any other form of genetic modification. I'm willing to discuss it with you once Mahan has described all the options currently available."

"You mean there's more options than what Shock has mentioned in his broadcasts?"

"Yes, a lot more, as well as some unfortunate consequences of being changed. Still that is a discussion for you and Mahan. I actually wanted to talk to you for four reasons. The first was to tell you that you've currently secured a probationary place on the ship. The second was to give you your uniform, the third is to explain the hyper education process and the last is to get you permission to add you to the sentinel program."

"Sentinel program?"

"We'll get to that in a bit. First off has Mahan filled you in on the basic education package?"

"Yes, he was very informative. I was beginning to wonder if there was a down load just to learn about getting memory downloads. He also informed me that I'll have complete knowledge of both human and veterinary skills."

"So is there anything else you'd like to learn?"

"Maybe some chemistry and biotech science."

"Biotech is already included in your medical downloads, since we use a lot of nanotech. Chemistry will also be useful. Mahan add general chemistry as well as pharmacological specialties. Also add courses on primitive healing techniques and herbal medicine." I paused and looked thoughtfully at Jordan while biting the inside of my lip. I sighed, "I really shouldn't do this, but I'm going to trust you. I need you to understand that is a very difficult thing for me to do. Mahan, add nanotech programming to Jordan's skill list."

"I know you're not going to take my advice, but I'm going to have my say anyway. That is a very bad idea. One coding mistake and he could wipe out all life in the universe." Mahan stated.

"Aren't you being a bit over dramatic?" Jordan asked.

"No, I certainly am not. When I program nanites I go over the code line by line a minimum of a thousand times before testing it in an isolated VR program."

"How about limiting my training to just being able to turn them on or off rather than giving me the full skill set to write the coding?"

"That, might be possible, and would be much safer. Is there anything else?" Mahan asked.

"I don't suppose there is any way to make it easier to interact with others?"

I laughed, "If there was such a program the Runner would have a large crew and we'd likely be exploring the galaxy. Sorry, but there isn't a quick fix for social anxiety and being an introvert."

"Oh okay, that is the first three things, now what is 'the Sentinel program'?"

"It's like the hyper education unit only it copies your mind and stores everything that makes you an individual on a memory crystal. Think of it as a backup. If or when you die I'll be able to clone your body, and using the crystal, resurrect you at any time in the future."

"Is there any negative consequences?"

"No, unless you count Mahan adding parts of your past, memories, and dreams to himself in order to continue to evolve."

"I, don't see a problem with that."

"Mahan, how many courses of implantation?"

"Six, before you ask why so many it's because the amount of knowledge to be a doctor is quite extensive."

I stood up, "Let's head down to the recreation deck so you can get started.

***

We were all standing in the center of the VR chamber. "Are you sure about this?"

"I have to do something!" Wolf yelled. "Sorry, it's just that I'm so full of energy."

"Damn, I wish I could be like that. I'm completely wiped out after an implantation session." Fox complained.

"You're already hyper active. If you came out fully charged it would likely kill the rest of us." Drake laughed.

I rolled my eyes. "All right Wolf, the first thing you need to remember is that this is a game and I have the level set lower for safety reasons. That means you won't be killed or seriously wounded. If something would kill you, you'll be forced into observation mode and we'd see your avatar die. Computer, load MAS game in observer mode."

"Don’t we need . . .” Wolf trailed off as the world generated around him. "This is, so real. The plants, the trees, the . . ." The blood seemed to drain from his face"

"The spiders." I finished for him. "Don't worry, we've swept the base and cleared them out. I’ve also altered the program so that you’ll never find a spider in your personal quarters. That should help you get to sleep from now on. Computer, where did we leave off?"

"The teams that just arrived are trying to get you to hurry up so they can get their suits unloaded. Wolf wanted to speak with you, but said his concerns weren’t that important and you told him you would never think that. Finally you're waiting for Fox, Drake, Frost, and Rin so that you can send the Shadow Runner back to Earth."

"I know you wanted to quit because of the threats, fortunately you said that after I paused the game. For the sake of continuity, do you have an idea of a cover story?"

"I, I may have an idea. I'm not sure if it is-"

"As long as you have an idea we'll make it work. Everyone, to your positions."

"What do you mean?" Wolf asked in confusion.

"The chamber makes everything real so when paused if we step away the game keeps a record of our position. Now that the game has loaded you can see your ghost image standing over next to mine. Before we can restart the game we have to move into place."

Wolf blushed as he circled his avatar. "I need to lose some weight."

"Computer adjust Wolf's character to current schematic."

The image lost a bit of fat and gained a small amount of muscle. "It isn't a big difference but the nanites in your system are slowly changing you to be more in line with a healthy form. Once you've completed all your education implants we'll talk about making changes to your physical form."

"Like shifting?"

"No, as I've said before that isn't going to happen for some time. However, I might let you experience what it's like as a memory implant, once you've completed your education. Before you get overly excited you have to take a break between each session so that the implant will set into long term memory rather than being over written by the next implant. Computer, resume game."

"I don't care what the newb has to say. Hurry up and-"

"Violet Marie Freeport! That is no way to speak to your commanding officer, or about a team mate." Carl yelled, as she marched up.

"Sorry, Commander." Violet squeaked.

"Sir, My team is ready to head out for our patrol, any last minute orders?"

"Yes actually. Head for the outpost first once there wait for the suits to be unloaded. Then continue under Cold Snap's command. Jailbait will join the Alliance team's patrol and Convict will go with Kicker's team."

"Understood, I'll relay the orders." Justice said, as she headed for her suit.

"Tiger, get your ass in gear. I need to get my suit and I'm not going to wait all day."

"Just hold your . . ." I started to say before I realized it was the Commander speaking.

He'd pulled up in a second transport with the Corporal and the rest of my team.

"Wolf, get in. We'll talk about your concerns while the pilots unpack their suits."

"But I . . ."

"Don't worry, whatever it is we'll work it out.

The ride to the outpost didn’t allow for talking, more like yelling, cursing, and threatening. I even said a bit of a prayer. One thing was for certain, Driver might get there in a hurry, but only if you didn't care about your state of mind or stomach. I did my best to act like it didn't affect me, but I'd never ride with Driver again.

"Soldier, is there a reason you weren't killed on Fallow?" The Commander asked.

"Yes Sir, the dinos couldn't catch me."

"Katana, I'm taking your patrol." The Commander announced. "Driver, you're dismissed.

"Fox, get to the radio and call Howler and, Ronin they should be able to get here before the Commander's suit is unloaded." I whispered.

He nodded and headed for the motor pool, as Driver spun the transport around and headed back.

"Just because I don't have Fox's hearing doesn't mean I didn't hear that, Lt. Colonel."

"Sorry Sir, but It is my job to make sure the patrols are fully manned. While we swept the base, I'm not taking aby chances so we've been patrolling with four suits instead of three. As soon as we get your suits unloaded I, and my team, will be off duty. We'll use that time to get this monstrosity off the planet and headed back where he belongs."

"If you think-"

"I have no intention of getting out of the interrogation you have planned. In fact I'm looking forward to it, because it'll mean I'm no longer the one in charge."

The Commander nodded, before walking over and joined the rest of the pilots on the heavy lift.

***

As we entered the bridge I paused the game. Computer, reconfigure the bridge. Set up dedicated stations for the following: Rin needs an engineer's station monitoring the Runner's power systems, Frost gets weapon's systems, and Wolf gets a chief medical officer's station monitoring the crew's medical condition."

The bridge remained mostly the same. The only real difference being the images displayed on the station's screens.

"You're putting me in charge of the weapons?" Frost asked in surprise.

"You've been studying with Lee and Slider, and all you're really doing is making sure they have power when they are needed. More importantly you're also in charge of the shields."

"Now that is something I can handle."

"Good, now everybody back into position, and resume game. Wolf, you're over here at medical.

"Is it a good idea having the whole crew together in one place?" Wolf asked.

"Considering this is one of the safest places on the ship, yes it's best to have everyone here." I said, as I sat at command.

"You want me to do this? Mahan informed me you're not supposed to merge for at least two years." Kyle asked.

"No, we're not carrying excess weight, or running from a Federation armada, so we should be able to do this without having to merge. Mahan transfer flight controls to my position." The controls rose into place. "Rin slowly bring the anti-gravity up to 25 percent. Fox, contact the base and Alliance station and let them know we are lifting off."

They nodded in reply.

"This can't be right. The monitors show your heart rate is incredibly steady." Wolf said.

"Increase anti-gravity to 50 percent. Kyle bring the thrusters online."

Shock laughed. "He's in control mode. It kinda freaked me out as well. In what others would consider tense or stressful situations, Tiger completely shuts down his emotions and seems to operate completely on instincts and logic."

"That doesn't mean I can't hear what you're saying, and filing it away for later discussion." I pointed out. "Rin, increase AG to max. Kyle, bring the thrusters up to five percent. Fifteen seconds to atmospheric envelope. Fox, contact the station and let them know we're well out of their orbital trajectory."

"On it."

"Rin shut down the AG, we're clear of Greenwood's gravity field. Kyle give me max forward thrust for ten seconds and then shut it down."

"Done." Kyle said.

"Mahan plot micro jump to the point where we arrived at the edge of the system."

"Course plotted. I am ready to jump."

I activated the Freem engine and seconds later we dropped back into real space and I relaxed.

"Your heart rate just increased but all other vitals remain constant. In fact all of you remained calm. I was the only one with erratic readings."

"That'll change once you're used to super illuminational travel." Fox said before yawning.

"What?" Wolf asked.

"I think he means super luminal or faster than light travel. Mahan, engage cloak and enter rest mode. I'll call if we need you again."

"Didn't I hear you tell the Commander this ship is Earth's last line of defense?" Wolf asked.

"Yes, and it is. I also said that it needed to get back to the Sol system. I did lie about that, but no one other than crew members will know that."

"A Hammer assault shuttle is ready on the launch deck. Don't let me keep you waiting to get back to your mission." Mahan stated.

"I get it you're sick of playing this game. We're going." I said as I stood up.

"How can he be 'sick' of anything?"

"Mahan is an exceedingly high level AI. He is completely self-aware. The reason he is sick is because the VR computer is so slow."

“Not just that but when you spend your day hacking government codes, what you're doing seems mundane and boring to me." Mahan stated.

***

I had to laugh as we entered the launch bay. The Hammer shuttle was painted a mottled gray with streaks of lightning. Both sides had a very familiar red dragon painted on them.

"Mahan, what the hell is this?" Kyle asked.

"A ship fit for a God. If you land at the Alliance camp they will make sure their God's shuttle is guarded at all times."

"I thought it would be . . . more impressive. I mean the art is good but it doesn't change the fact it's a giant brick." Jordan said.

"A brick with wings." Rin pointed out.

"And a tank turret on its back." Frost added.

"That's not just a turret. The rest of the hover tank is also in there. It is equipped with a tractor beam leash that keeps the tank connected to the shuttle when it is deployed in space. Which reminds me, Wolf put these on." I tossed him a set of smart cloth generating cuffs. "Those will generate a space suit In case of emergencies."

"But-"

"You're giving him smart cloth technology?" Kyle asked, as Shock quickly took the cuffs from Wolf's hands.

"It's easy, you just clamp them on."

"Pause game." I know this is confusing, but I needed to update your character profile. In case you hadn't noticed you're still wearing the same look you had before you joined us. The cuffs are holographic projections that the computer will delete showing your real cuffs from now on."

Wolf laughed. "So how are you going to explain the uniform?"

"Activate your pilot suit. See back to normal. Resume game."

"Um, Tiger, something is wrong." Shock said as he stepped back. "As soon as I closed the last cuff they suddenly changed color."

I quickly looked at the cuffs and they had indeed turned gold instead of the standard silver. I'd never had that happen before. I even had to go to extreme lengths to get Kyle's cuffs to match the ones from his game. "That's likely because of his armor's gold highlights." I said, trying to pass it off as unimportant. I wouldn’t know for sure if the uniform cuffs had actually changed color or if it was just the VR computer color matching them to Wolf’s flight suit. Still Fox and Drake let me know their disapproval, of my little lie, through our shared link. Fortunately they didn't say anything and Wolf seemed to accept the explanation and that was what counted.

***

I set the Hammer down gently. I was surprised it didn't explode, considering it had been designed for extreme conditions. As the rear hatch opened a group had begun to form. Several started to get on their knees as Drake stepped out.

"How many times do I have to tell you I don't want you on your knees?"

"Then how should we honor you?" Someone asked.

"I'm going to leave my shuttle here. Just make sure that no one steels it and it is ready and able to fly the instant I need it and I'll consider myself honored by everyone in this encampment."

"Subtle." Fox whispered from just inside, as Rin and Frost followed Drake down the ramp.

"Fox go ahead and catch up with Drake and the kids. Wolf and I will close down the shuttle and follow you."

"Huh?" Both Fox and Wolf said simultaneously.

"Wolf wanted to speak to me earlier but didn't get the chance. It's a long walk back to the base so I can't think of a better time. We just need a little privacy.

"Got it." Fox twitched his ear and winked.

I grinned. You'd better hurry up We're not starting until you're out of hearing range."

Fox gave a bit of a growl before stalking off toward Drake, likely to tell him I was doing something stupid again. I closed down the shuttle and waited for the ramp to seal shut before turning toward Wolf. We immediately started to follow the rest of the team.

"So, what was it you wanted to say?"

"I- I wanted to know why you're treating me the way you are? Most people are either scared of me or pretend I don't exist, but you seem to go out of your way to be nice to me."

I could tell this wasn't a question that pertained to just the VR game. I stopped and looked up at him but he looked away. "Jordan, look into my eyes and tell me what you see."

"I- I can't. If I do that I'll know exactly what you're feeling."

"You, you're a sensitive." I gritted my teeth. "Jordan, I'm going to step out of the game for a moment. I don't want you to think what you're likely picking up from me right now is directed at you. Computer pause game and move only my avatar to master level."

"Such action is not advised."

"Further isolate me from all other player characters."

"Prowl-Ar, What are you doing?" Mahan asked.

"Computer, command code Feral."

"Prowl-Ar has been isolated from all other characters. Level has been reset to lowest setting."

I was beyond caring. "God damn fucking idiots!" I yelled, as I punched the wall. "A thousand years to grow up and humanity is still a bunch of petty bullies that have to break everything!" I continued punching the wall not even hearing the sound of my bones breaking. Eventually I slumped to the floor pulling my knees up to my chin and crying out of frustration too drained to even move more than that. "Computer, Inform Kyle he needs to take me to the evolver chamber. Have Shock escort Wolf and the kids to their quarters. I don't want them to see me like this, and- and I don't want Jordan to know,” I sobbed, "know how much I want to go Grimm on those that hurt him." I winced and looked at my hands. Jordan was carefully binding them.

"Just hold still. You've done a lot of damage. Shock took the kids out just after you hit the wall the first time."

"How?"

"Did you forget? When there is a risk of going Feral everything is shut down, Shock and I are locked out and the highest ranking officer takes charge. Currently, Jordan outranks Rin and Frost." Kyle said.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want you, any of you, to see me like this." I continued to sob.

"I know this hurts." Jordan started.

"You can feel his pain, right?" Kyle asked.

"An impression of it, yes."

"What he's feeling isn't physical pain. He can turn that off. What he's feeling is deeper it's emotional, spiritual even. Trust me I'm getting the full force of it. He's hurting because you were hurt and he knows from personal experience there is nothing he can do to make your pain go away. I shouldn't tell you this, Tiger please forgive me, but if you're going to be our doctor you need to know. He is in constant pain."

"Surely he has the tech-"

"No! You don't understand. He has to be in pain." Kyle sighed. "Again, I'm sorry, but Mahan informed us of the reason why."

I sighed, "It's because I'm constantly punishing myself. I know that much, I just don't know why."

"Mahan filled in the reason. Before you used the tech on the Runner it was physical pain. However, you healed and fixed everything and nearly died. Mahan has led you to believe you're addicted to the pain."

"Kyle, I must advise you not to do this. You are risking not only Prowl-Ar's life but Shock's and your own as well." Mahan stated.

"You have to have the pain because you are punishing yourself for all those you believe you could have helped but didn't for fear that humanity would use the tech to wipe itself out."

"He has that kind of power?" Jordan asked.

"Imagine a virus as lethal as cyanide, as common as a cold, transmissible through the air, activated when two same biologically gendered individuals exchange bodily fluids." I muttered.

"The death of every LGTBQ individual." Jordan gasped.

"That's the idea, however add to that everyone that requires a blood transfusion, organ recipients, the guy that pisses off his waiter, right down to something as innocent as a kid sharing an ice cream cone with their friend. That's why I can't risk sharing my tech. But there is a cost, it means I can't cure those in pain."

"Prowl-Ar, please look at me." Jordan asked. "You wanted to know what I saw. I was afraid. I was scared I'd see that you were lying, waiting for me to let down my guard so you could hurt me, like so many others. I'm looking now and what I see is someone who is as scared as I am." Jordan reached out and gently placed his palm on my cheek. "Someone in even more pain than I can imagine. I see nobility. An individual that would sacrifice himself if it meant saving another. I see the real you. And no matter what the future holds I'm truly happy knowing I have the chance to get to know you as a friend. I promise you, I'll do everything in my power to make sure you never lose those you love."

"Careful Doc, we don't make promises lightly on this ship." Kyle said.

"Trust me Kyle, I'll never go back on that promise no matter what cost I'll have to pay."

"Just so long as you always remember that. Now help me get him up. It seems you're going to learn about the evolver system sooner than the Captain had planned."

***